Looking for your next binge-worthy series or film to add to your streaming queue? Check back with Village Life every Friday for Jordan Parker's comprehensive insights on the week's most buzz-worthy programs from top streaming services like Netflix, Crave, Amazon Prime, and beyond.
On Netflix – Bone Tomahawk
Westerns aren’t the most sought-after genre these days, but one done well can astound.
Bone Tomahawk is the type of film that comes out once a decade. Released in 2011, I had always put off watching it due to its heavy subject matter. That was a poor decision.
It’s a gripping, gory western with a fantastic, stylish approach. It follows a sheriff, his decrepit deputy, the town doctor, and a distraught husband who attempt to rescue the latter’s wife from cannibals on the outskirts of town.
They saddle up their horses, grab their guns, and make a long rescue journey, though they don’t have a clue what they’re in for.
It has one of the most gruesome scenes ever put to film and marks one of Kurt Russell’s best late-career turns.
Writer-director S. Craig Zehler creates a bold directorial debut, and supporting cast Patrick Wilson, Matthew Fox, Richard Jenkins, Lili Simmons, and David Arquette are part of an incredible ensemble.
This one will stick with you long after you screen it – but be prepared, it’s not an easy watch.
On Amazon Prime Video – Abigail
A little campy fun never hurt anyone, and Abigail is a horror-comedy with some serious bite.
When a group of criminals kidnap the daughter of a criminal overlord, they soon realize they haven’t been randomly chosen for the job.
They stow her in an isolated mansion, but they’re soon locked inside with her. It’s at that point they realize Abigail isn’t a regular young girl.
The directing team that brought you Scream V and Scream VI are at it again with this devilishly funny and endlessly bloody romp.
Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, William Catlett, Kathryn Newton, and Giancarlo Esposito star. Special props should go to standout Kevin Durand, the late Angus Cloud, and young star Alisha Weir.
It does get a little bit over-the-top after a while, but I can guarantee you’re going to have a really fun time.
On Crave – True Lies
This action classic celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and it’s still one of the most fun genre pictures ever made.
Co-writer and director James Cameron makes one of his most underrated films in True Lies, a flick I think is far above Avatar and Titanic in terms of quality.
It follows Harry Tasker, a secret agent who doubles as a loving husband and doting father. As he chases nuclear weapons in the hands of terrorists, he realizes his wife is seeing another man to stave off the boredom of their life. He begins to mesh his world, and soon learns his wife has a lot more adventure than he expected.
This is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most enjoyable role and the first Jamie Lee Curtis film I saw that wasn’t a Halloween property. Tom Arnold, Bill Paxton, and Eliza Dushku co-star.
Words can’t express the nostalgic, vibrant love I have for this film. Check it out or re-watch it today.
On Disney+ -- English Teacher
This FX show is irreverent and hilarious, and I can’t get enough of it.
Created by the snarky Brian Jordan Alvarez – who appeared in M3GAN, Will & Grace, and Jane The Virgin – it's the perfect starring vehicle he needed.
He plays Evan, a gay high school English teacher who pushes against convention and advocates for a learning environment less stringent than some parents and faculty demand.
Evan is constantly weighing the demands of his students, co-workers, and parents as he tries to impart meaningful lessons.
Alvarez is perfect here, and the ensemble of Enrico Colantoni, Stephanie Koenig, Sean Patton, and Langston Kerman are serving as formidable supporting characters.
It pushes buttons and I am fully here for it. I hope you will be too.
On Paramount+ -- A Quiet Place: Day One
The Quiet Place saga – created by The Office alum John Krasinski – have marked the gold standard for horror for the new age.
With an imaginative story, originality, and a massive amount of suspense, the first two instalments proved new and innovative stories can still capture audiences.
Krasinski steps aside from the director’s chair for this prequel, but co-writer and director Michael Sarnoski (who made fantastic Nic Cage film Pig) is up to the task.
It’s a character drama and terrifying nightmare fuel about creatures that can seek out prey based on sound. Humans who are attempting to evacuate when the invasion begins live in as much silence as possible for their survival.
Haunted Samira and new comrade Eric attempt to escape New York City for the water, as the creatures can’t swim. With Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, Stranger Things breakout Joseph Quinn, and Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou, it also has incredible acting.
It’s a worthy follow-up to the first two and will leave you trembling.
About The Author:
Jordan Parker is a freelance journalist and runs entertainment firm Parker PR. A huge lover and supporter of the local arts scene, he’s an avid filmgoer and lover of all genres.
A 2SLGBTQIA+ professional, he also works doing Events & Fundraising for the AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia and has a passion for giving a platform to queer events and artists.
His writing often skews toward local businesses, productions, events, and covering arts & entertainment. He’s also an avid sports fan and spends every May getting let down by the Maple Leafs in the first round of the playoffs.
Jordan believes in an open-door policy and welcomes story pitches and questions from readers.
Email: [email protected]
